Veteran politician remembered for his loyalty and dedication

Cllr Eric Storey and his wife Gwen with award presented by William Hague. Picture by Gavin Trafford.

Tributes have poured in for veteran Sefton politician Eric Storey, following his death.

Mr Storey died last Thursday, aged 96. The former Conservative councillor from Formby was involved in politics for 50 years.

Mr Storey’s daughter, Erica Connolly, led the tributes to her father.

She said: “It has been an absolute honour and privilege to have had such a wonderful head of our family.

"My father had the rare ability to be able to communicate on all levels and make anyone feel immediately at ease, always seeing the best in people. To him the glass was always half full, never half empty.

"He has been a wonderful father, grandfather and great grandfather and we shall all miss him more than words can say.

"I would like to thank all the nurses and care staff of Halcyon House Formby for their devotion and care which made Eric’s last five months so comfortable and happy. Also my special thanks go to Dr Reddington for her dedication, care and support.”

A message on his blog read: "Eric was a real gentleman as I knew him in his later years. He may well have been a political tough guy in the past but in my time as Leader of Sefton Council he was always polite with the odd amusing remark to make. Politics has lost a decent man via Eric’s passing."

Mr Storey arrived in Formby in 1946, after spending three years fighting in the Far East during World War Two.

He spent the next decade or so working in Liverpool’s shipping industry, and in 1958 he joined Formby Urban District Council.

He witnessed the emergence of Sefton Council in 1974, and was proud of his contribution to its transition from nascent body to powerful machine.

He also lobbied for the creation of Range High, and was proud of Formby’s schools. Mr Storey held the post of mayor twice and was a council leader. In 2008 Mr Storey’s half century contribution to public life was recognised by Sefton Council, and the Conservative Party.

William Hague presented him with a certificate, which read: "His loyalty to the party is second to none. His intellect and wit remain a source of delight for all his colleagues and workers alike.

"Eric is always prepared to embrace modern methods and ideas without losing sight of his own values and those of the party.”

Mr Storey married his first wife Elsie at Lower Lane Methodist Church Liverpool on June 25 1941.

The couple had two children, Ian and Erica. Elsie died on November 26 1980. In 1987 Eric married Gwen Humphrey, who was a respected arts columnist for Champion newspapers. She died in July 2009.

Mr Storey’s funeral will take place at Holy Trinity Church, Formby, from 1pm next Thursday.